A stunning trail spanning miles across the Sussex coast has been picked out as being among the UK's best walks for summer.
The South Downs Way stretches about 100 miles and begins in Winchester in Hampshire and goes to Eastbourne in East Sussex.
It is the only National Trail to lie entirely within a National Park and takes trekkers through rolling chalk hills, ancient woodlands, and sweeping coastal cliffs.
And part of the lengthy trail has now been picked out as being one of the best walks for summertime, giving you no better time to give it a try.
All to know about the South Downs Way trail
The South Downs Way National Trail follows the old routes and droveways along the chalk escarpment and ridges of the South Downs, the National Trail website says.
It adds: "The route provides the visitor with the opportunity 'to get away from it all' without having to travel too far in this busy part of England.
"The undulating route provides a wonderful trip for long-distance riders as well as walkers."
Anyone who is "reasonably fit" can walk the South Downs Way if you can comfortably walk 12 miles (20km) in a day, the website adds.
The entire trail is well waymarked, but it is advised to take a guidebook or map.
The South Downs Way can be enjoyed at any time of the year but it does get busier during school holidays and on weekends between May and September, you should expect to come across larger organised events.
The website adds: "You can feel a million miles from the hustle and bustle of modern life, but only be a few minutes from civilisation.
"Running along a chalk ridge means that the trail drains and dries out quickly, making it good year-round.
"The elevated position ensures you are rewarded by breathtaking views across the English Channel and Isle of Wight to the south and over the wooded Weald and heathland ridges to the north.
"Whether you’re walking, on a mountain bike or on horseback, the South Downs Way passes through a varied landscape of protected habitats including internationally important chalk rivers, internationally rare species rich chalk grasslands and beautiful ancient woodland.
"The Trail passes through or passes by 5 National Nature Reserves and dozens of Sites of Special Scientific Interest where you can enjoy stunning wildlife at close hand."species-rich
South Downs Way named one of UK's best walks for summer
The walk recently made a new list of the best summer walks in the UK by Which?.
The list came following a survey by Which? members, and ranged from "gentle, Sunday afternoon strolls to more challenging routes that take in clifftops, sheltered coves and spectacular scenery".
Which? adds: "Members scored routes on everything from the scenery and wildlife, to signage and accessibility, and those that offered the best food and drink options nearby.
"Our detailed results table will help you find a thrilling route that is the right difficulty and length for your needs, to ensure you get maximum enjoyment from your hike this summer."
The specific part of the South Downs Way walk that was picked out was along the Seven Sisters cliffs.
It got a total score of 82%, with its difficulty sitting at a 3/5.
Here is how the trail scored across other metrics, out of five stars:
- Scenery - 5
- Places of interest en route - 3
- Signage/waymarking - 4
- Wildlife - 3
- Peace and quiet - 4
- Visitor facilities - 3
- Accessibility - 1
- Parking - 3
- Food and drink - 3
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The best walk in the UK was the Lizard Peninsula Circuit in Cornwall, with the best in the South East being The Needles and Tennyson Down on the Isle of Wight.
All the results were based on 2,736 experiences in the past two years from 1,310 Which? Connect panel members in Feb/Mar 2025.
The walk score also combines overall satisfaction and likelihood to recommend.
What is your favourite walking route in Sussex? Let us know in the comments.
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